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Showing posts with label Benefits. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Benefits. Show all posts
While the NHS covers a lot of wellness needs, that coverage will only get you so far. However, certain companies are taking care of their employees’ wellbeing, and including health benefits as part of their overall corporate wellness package. That said, you may not have taken the time to review your company’s benefit plans and may not be aware that what’s available and what you’ve selected could fall short of meeting your needs. So, does your benefit package really measure up?
According to a 2011 study by the ADP Research Institute, 40% of employees don’t understand their benefits, which means that there may be resources for retirement planning, health care and insurance available to you that you are underutilising. Sometimes, employers offer benefits that promise a good start toward financial protection, but that’s all it is; a start. You may not realise that you may have to chip in additional coverage to help fill in the gaps. Melissa Millan, senior vice president, Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual), explains, ‘When a household income earner is in good health and able to bring home the pay cheque every week, families often forget about those other benefits available from the company. Everyone should carefully review their benefits, and determine if any additional insurance protection might be needed to keep the family finances on an even keel if something should happen to affect that weekly pay cheque.’
Often, the benefit areas you leave untouched – or just plain don’t understand – are your life insurance and disability insurance. If your employer does offer you these benefits, it’s well worth considering how they can help you out financially. Let’s take a look at them both in a little more detail:
1. Life insurance: As part of their benefit package, many employers will offer group term life insurance with the option for you to purchase additional coverage on your own by having the additional premium payments deducted from your salary. You might want to consider purchasing additional coverage in this way because getting it through your employer means that you do not need to provide any health information or be pre-approved medically. Outside of the workplace, it’s likely that you would have to go through these procedures. Relying solely on group term life insurances is a risky move, as it’s offered as a benefit via your employer. Your company could decide to discontinue offering the benefit, or you could lose your coverage if you leave your company and there are no options to take the coverage with you.
The wisest course might therefore be to consider balancing the benefit offered through your employer with an individual life insurance policy. As you are the owner of your individual life insurance policy, you can get the coverage you need and take it with you if and when you decide to leave the company. Make sure that you understand your ability to keep the coverage, regardless of your employment relationship, whether you purchase additional insurance at work or outside of work.
2. Disability Insurance: If you suffer an illness or injury that prevents you from working for an extended period of time, your employer may provide group long-term disability plans that replace a portion of your income. However, there may be a larger gap between the amount of salary replaced by the group insurance and your pre-disability income than you realise. It’s quite likely that your group plan only replaces a portion of your total salary. On average, group plans cover about 50 to 60% of what you earn. Moreover, if you earn commissions or income from bonuses, your group disability plan probably won’t cover this. Therefore, having an individual disability income insurance policy can help reduce the income gap.
Sex has many benefits to your wellbeing, but those benefits are different for men and women. While both sexes can stand to gain a healthier immune system and better mental wellness from having sex, there are some sexual health benefits that are just for the lads, and just for the lasses.
MEN
1. Prevents Prostate Cancer: According to an Australian study, men who ejaculated more than five times a week were a third less likely to develop prostate cancer. Clinical sexologist Gloria Brame, PhD, explains that this is because disease-causing toxins build up in your urogenital tract, but you flush those bad guys out of your system when you rub one out.
2. Strengthens Your Manhood: You naturally lose muscle tone as you age, and that still applies to your package. However, just like lifting weights can help you retain and build muscle mass, having sex or masturbating regularly gives your pelvic floor muscles a good old-fashioned workout. If you really want to prevent erectile dysfunction and incontinence, you should aim to ejaculate three to five times a week.
3. Strengthens Your Boys: A review published in Sexual and Relationship Therapy found that the semen you produce as a result of actual intercourse is of a higher quality than the swimmers you get from masturbating. However, the review also points out that if you don’t ejaculate for a period as short as five to 18 days, the quality and quantity of your sperm can decrease.
4. Helps You Last Longer: You learn control by mastering your own body. Brame notes, ‘Masturbating an hour before a date will give you more control.’ Ava Cadell, PhD, founder of loveologyuniversity.com, recommends timing how long it takes you to orgasm. If you usually take two minutes when you’re by yourself, Cadell suggests trying for three minutes next time. Alternately, you could try counting how many strokes you need to get to your happy place. If you’re spurting after 50, shoot for 60. Cadell details, ‘Most men can double the number of strokes and the time within one month.’
WOMEN
1. Helps Prevent Cervical Infections: When you orgasm, the orgasms ‘tents’ or opens your cervix and studies are showing that this can provide protection against cervical infections. Joann Ellison Rodgers describes this process in her book Sex: A Natural History, noting that the tenting stretches and pulls the mucous within your cervix, and this allows for a rise in acidity in your cervical fluid. When your cervical fluid is more acidic, more of it can move into your vagina and this increases ‘friendly’ bacteria. Altogether, this lubricates your vagina – which improves sex – and flushes out the unfriendly organisms that can cause infections.
2. Helps Relieve Urinary Tract Infections: If you’ve ever felt a UTI coming on, you may have felt the desire to masturbate. This is because having an orgasm helps to relieve pain and it flushes the old bacteria from your cervix. So masturbating is your body’s way of getting the bacteria out.
3. Lower Risk of Major Health Concerns: Having sex has been associated with improved cardiovascular health and lower risk of type-2 diabetes. A number of studies have found that if you experience more orgasms than average – as well as an overall greater frequency and satisfaction with sex – you are more resistant to coronary heart disease and type-2 diabetes. This is the case whether you enjoy sex with a partner or you go it Han-style (Solo).
4. Increases Pelvic Floor Strength: Ok, this one is similar to the boys, but it’s still worth mentioning. There are many health benefits to having a strong pelvic floor, but the most fun one is that it enhances your sexual satisfaction. So, the more you do it, the more satisfaction you’ll gain.
Sometimes, your big fitness goals and the enjoyment of exercising are all you need to get going with your regime; but there are other times, when your energy is lagging, that you need a little something extra. Luckily, there are many little tricks of the mind you can use to jump-start your motivation. According to sports psychologist JoAnn Dahlkoetter, PhD, the author of Your Performing Edge, ‘If you find a ritual that works for you and repeat it over time, your body will instantly respond when you need that extra push.’ So we spoke to a few world-class athletes, trainers and psychologists, and asked how they get motivated to take care of their wellbeing:
1. Be Inspired By the Greats: ‘One morning not long ago my motivation was at a major low point,’ confesses wellness writer Marisa Cohen. ‘I had plans to meet a friend at Zumba, but when I woke at 7am, it was raining, I had a cramp in my leg, and, frankly, staying in bed and finishing that dream about Jake Gyllenhaal seemed a thousand times more appealing than yanking off the covers and heading out into the grey gloom. But then I heard an urgent whisper in my ear: “Get up and get your workout out-of-the-way now; you can always rest later!” It was Janet Evans speaking. Yes, that Janet Evans, the Olympic swimmer who won four gold medals at the 1988 and 1992 Olympic Games. She mentioned this mantra in an interview I watched decades ago. I stuck it in my back pocket back then, and I pull it out for the ultimate kick in the butt when I need it most.’
2. Do it For the Kids: Janet Evans’ past mantra inspired Cohen to go on, but how does the Olympian, who is now a 40-year-old mother of two, do it today? Evans notes, ‘When I used to swim, it was always for external goals, like scholarships or world records. Now it’s more personal. I remind myself that I’m showing my five-year-old daughter that if you set a goal and work hard for it, you can achieve anything. Yesterday she said to me, “Mommy, you smell like chlorine.” And I said, “Get used to it, girl!”’
3. Go for Instant Gratification: Rather than thinking of the long-term benefits of exercise (such as lowering your risk of cancer, heart disease, and a slew of other scary illnesses), jot down the benefits you’ll see today, like being more alert for your afternoon meeting or more relaxed when you spend time with your family. Michelle Segar, PhD, the associate director of the University of Michigan Sport, Health and Activity Research and Policy Centre for Women and Girls, comments, ‘Our research found that the women who stick with exercise programs are the ones who do it for benefits they can experience immediately, such as having more energy or feeling less stress.’
4. Star in a Mental Motivational Movie: ‘Visualization is a great tool,’ asserts celebrity trainer and holistic nutritionist Jennifer Cassetta. ‘I see myself at my healthiest, fittest, and strongest, doing different athletic endeavours. This motivates me to go the extra mile and skip the junk food.’ Kathleen Martin Ginis, PhD, a professor of health and exercise psychology at McMaster University in Canada, adds, ‘Picturing yourself accomplishing something may create a neural pathway in your brain in almost the same way as actually completing the feat would. It also gives you a burst of confidence that you can succeed, which makes you more likely to continue your training.’
Why do you ignore push-ups? Is it because they remind you of punishing PE lessons, or do you think push-ups are so basic and simple that they couldn’t possibly do anything for your wellbeing? Whatever your reasons, you’re giving push-ups an unfair reputation, and potentially hampering your workout wellness in the process. According to fitness expert Patrick Owen, ‘Push-ups are one of the best overall upper-body exercises that exist. They’re a staple of numerous exercise programmes, including CrossFit, martial arts and military fitness…While push-ups are associated with the chest and triceps, they also work the upper back, shoulders, and core. Your lats, traps and abs need to stabilise your pushing muscles, while your lower back, legs and glutes need to stay engaged to keep your hips from sagging or piking up too high.’ So how can you master the basic push-up, and go on to incorporate a whole host of variations into your fitness routine?
1. The Basic Push-Up: ‘It all starts with the basic push-up,’ says Owen. ‘To get the most out of your push-up, it’s important to pay attention to form and range of motion. Keep a straight line from the ankles to the shoulders, with hands about shoulder-width apart and elbows back at around a 45-degree angle. Keep the head aligned with the back and be careful not to peck at the ground like a chicken. Your chest should be the first thing to touch the ground, not your pelvis. Many beginners have trouble going low enough in their push-ups, so it might be helpful to place an object like a tennis ball or dumbbell on the ground under the chest in order to have a reference point for how low to go. Your arms should bend past 90 degrees for the push-up to count. Your goal is to perform a clean chest-to-floor push-up with proper alignment that showcases your excellent upper body strength and mobility.’
2. The Clap Push-Up: Owen notes, ‘The most common type of plyometric push-up is the clap push-up. The objective of this one, as the name implies, is to clap your hands in the air at the top of your push-up and return them safely to the ground before you smash your teeth in. Anything involving plyometrics requires rapid, explosive force to give you ample airtime to perform a clap, two claps or even three claps between reps. While speed is important, getting your body high enough is what you really need to work on. An easy progression to the clap push-up is to perform plyo push-ups without clapping until you’re powerful enough to feel confident that you won’t face plant. In the meantime, practice on a soft surface just in case you miss your landing.’
3. Triangle Push-Up: According to a study commissioned by the American Council on Exercise, the triangle push-up is the best exercise for triceps. The researchers commented, ‘All across the board, the triangle push-up elicited the most muscle activity in our subjects.’ However, Owen warns, ‘Before you get excited about getting rid of your batwings, remember that tricep exercises won’t get rid of the fat on your arms, but they will help you build muscle, which can contribute to overall fat loss. In a push-up position, place your hands directly beneath your chest with the forefingers and thumbs touching, making a triangle shape. Make sure your back is flat and your core is engaged. As you lower yourself, your elbows will naturally flare out to the sides. Once your chest touches the floor, push back up and repeat.’
4. Spiderman Push-Up: ‘This push-up variation gives you a superhero’s body without having to wear the silly costume,’ Owen asserts. ‘What makes the Spiderman push-up more difficult than the traditional push-up is that you generate more resistance due to the added weight you add to one side. Start from a push-up position with your arms slightly wider than shoulder-width apart and control your descent. When you’re at the lowest position of your push-up, move one leg forward and bring your knee forward toward your elbow. The movement causes your core to engage and maintain balance, giving your pecs, arms, shoulders and abs a harder workout. As a bonus, the leg movement mimics a lower ab crunch, giving your abs an extra workout.’
Tea is a staple part of every Brit’s diet, but did you know it’s good for your health, as well as your sense of wellbeing? According to five new studies in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, tea may be able to protect your wellness against stroke and heart disease, decrease your blood pressure, boost your brain power, and help you lose weight. Prediman Krishan Shah, MD, director of the Division of Cardiology at Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, explains, ‘It contains antioxidants, which may help fight free radicals known to contribute to cancer, heart disease, and clogged arteries.’ Moreover, the caffeine content in tea stimulates your nervous system, which, in turn, increases the rate at which your body burns fat. And the amino acid theanine in tea works with the caffeine to influence your brain’s neurotransmitters, leading to increased alertness and mental productivity.
If you want the health benefits, but aren’t so big on sipping tea with your pinkie up, we’ve got some awesome recipes from top mixologists, chefs and nutritionists so you can sip in style:
1. The Tea-Totaler: For this recipe, courtesy of Bill Anderson, beverage director at Vie in Western Springs, Illinois, you will need:
- 1 c chamomile tea, steeped
- 1 c sugar
- 1 c soda water
Anderson directs, ‘Dissolve sugar in piping hot tea, and let cool. Fill glasses with ice half way with tea syrup. Top off with soda water. Serves two to four.’
2. Burn Juice: This recipe, provided by Dawn Jackson Blatner, RDN, CSSD, LDN, serves one. You will need:
- 1/4 c brewed green tea, cooled
- 1 roma tomato
- 1 celery stalk
- 1/2 red bell pepper
- Dash of cayenne
- 3 ice cubes
‘Combine all ingredients in blender and puree until smooth,’ says Blatner. ‘Not only do you score a metabolism boost from the caffeine-rich tea, but a compound in cayenne pepper called capsaicin helps control hunger and increase fat burn. Plus, this drink has only 35 calories and provides 140% daily vitamin C.’
3. Tropical Green Tea Smoothie: Blatner notes, ‘The almond milk provides bone-building calcium and immune-boosting vitamin D, while pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme for healthy digestion.’ As with the above recipe, you blend all the following ingredients until smooth:
- 8 oz brewed green tea, chilled or room temperature
- 8 oz unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 1/2 c frozen mango chunks
- 1/2 c pineapple chunks
- 1 Tbsp honey
4. Ginger Green Tea Lemonade: Blatner’s Ginger Green Tea Lemonade recipe is great for digestion, as well as your overall health. You will need:
- 1 c brewed green tea, hot
- 1/4 c sliced and coarsely chopped fresh ginger
- 3/4 c lemon juice (about 4 lemons)
- 6 Tbsp agave nectar
- 2 c sparkling water
Blatner instructs, ‘Create ginger water by pouring hot tea over chopped ginger and set aside for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, pour 3/4 cup ginger water into a pitcher; discard remaining liquid and ginger. Add lemon juice, agave, and sparkling water to pitcher. Serve over ice in glasses garnished with lemon slices. Serves six.’
5. Crimson Toddy: This recipe comes from Chris Cason, Tea Sommelier and Co-Founder of Tavalon Tea. You will need:
- 4 oz boiling water
- 1 tsp Crimson Punch tea (or any citrus and sweet tea blend)
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 Tbsp agave nectar
- 1 orange slice
- 10 whole cloves
- Cinnamon stick
Cason details, ‘Steep tea in boiling water for five minutes, then strain into insulated measuring cup or bowl. Cover to keep hot. Press cloves into the orange slice, and then place the slice at the bottom of a glass like a brandy snifter. Pour in bourbon, and then pour in the hot tea. Stir in agave nectar with cinnamon stick. Serves one.’
Choosing your method of birth control is not just an issue of sexual health, but of your overall wellbeing. There are various options to consider when choosing birth control, which you need to go through with your partner to ensure you make the right choice for you. One option up for consideration is the IUD, but, although it’s more convenient that a lot of methods, it appears to be less popular than the Pill – especially across the pond. Does the IUD have an unfairly negative reputation, or does the US know something we don’t?
Sexual wellness writer Heather Quinlan details, ‘The intrauterine device, or IUD, is a T-shaped device that is inserted into a woman’s uterus to prevent pregnancy. It can be implanted in a doctor’s office, has an amazing success rate of nearly 100%, and is the most popular form of reversible contraception in the world, with over 85 million users.’ Still, while women worldwide have accepted the IUD, only 1.3% of women in the US use the device as birth control. But why is that?
‘Many believe that the IUD is a victim of bad PR in the US, due in large part to the Dalkon Shield, a similar-looking device that was promoted as a revolutionary form of contraception in the 1970s,’ Quinlan explains. ‘Unfortunately, the Shield’s makers did not thoroughly research its potential design faults, and the infamous multifilament string (as opposed to a safer monofilament one) caused users to fall victim to pelvic infections, internal scarring and even infertility. Class action lawsuits brought against Dalkon’s A.H. Robins Company totaled over $1 billion and forced it into bankruptcy.’ So it’s not hard to see why American women are wary of the IUD, but this unjust tentativeness has led to an array of misconceptions.
However, Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, clinical professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at YaleUniversity, asserts that the IUD can be greatly beneficial to women. ‘It’s a good idea to revisit what you’re using contraceptively, says Dr. Minkin. ‘Someone with good fertility is [often] better off with an IUD.’ Moreover, if you’re a smoker, having an IUD is safer than using birth control pills. ‘There’s no doctor that would advocate smoking,’ Dr. Minkin admits. ‘But if you’re a smoker over 35, the pill greatly increases you chance of cardiac disease.’
Let’s get the skinny from some real women who have tried, and loved, the IUD. When Francesca’s, 30, marriage fell apart following the birth of her daughter in 2001, she needed a birth control method she could trust. ‘I couldn’t imagine having a child as a single mother,’ she recalls. But I didn’t want to go the drastic route of having my tubes tied. So I tried the IUD, and it worked like a charm. I didn’t have to remember to take a pill, fill a prescription every month, and one of the best things was, I didn’t get my period.’ When Francesca remarried in 2005 she decided to have the IUD removed. She details, ‘The doctors told me I could potentially get pregnant soon after it was taken out, and they were right—11 months later I had another beautiful baby girl!’
Another IUD fan is Jordan 24, who is happily using the device after an unexpected pregnancy caused her to rethink her birth control. She comments, ‘I had heard all these crazy things about the IUD, but I could never remember to take my pill on time, or I’d lose it. This led to me getting pregnant when I was 19. So I knew I needed something that could just do the job without much work from me. It’s now been three years and I’m still very happy with it—I can’t believe more women don’t use it, though I’m glad I do.’
Pilates is both an ancient art and a new trend. It is a fitness craze, a weight loss technique and a route to general wellness and wellbeing that has been gaining popularity for some time now. It has been around since the 1920s, and its roots are even older than this.
It is pronounced ‘pih-LAH-teez’ and was named after the man who came up with the concept, Joseph Pilates. If you want to get into Pilates, you’ll be pleased to know that, when practised regularly, it can be in invaluable addition both to your workout routine and to your life.
Pilates connects the body, mind and spirit through exercise (a bit like yoga) and the goal is to improve your strength and flexibility, whilst creating a balance between the two. Those who do Pilates develop an increased bodily awareness through various poses and stretches, which target specific muscle groups.
The aim with Pilates is to have a toned, lean body without adding bulky muscles and to also lengthen the muscles and increase flexibility. It has also been reported to improve coordination and relieve feelings of stress and anxiety. Many exercises achieve this, of course, but Pilates is thought to be particularly good.
One of the main muscle groups that Pilates targets is the ‘core’. This consists of muscle groups which are usually ignored and underdeveloped, such as the abdominals and the back muscles. In the process of working on these, it helps to improve posture, eases back pain and strengthens the overall body. It is very important to strengthen your core as it literally carries the rest of your body, and all other exercises will be better if you have a strong core.
Both beginners and seasoned fitness buffs can try Pilates, and it can be tailored to your specific, individual needs.
Masturbation still seems to be of a taboo topic, with many people believing that pleasuring yourself is bad for your mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing. Some myths assert that masturbating makes you crazy, turns you blind, and even worsens your sexual health, but is there any truth in these claims? Does masturbation pose a threat to your wellness, or could it actually be good for you?
Let’s start with the positives, shall we? According to award-winning wellness writer Hope Gillette, ‘Masturbation actually has health benefits and many experts believe not masturbating is a sign of issues. Masturbating is good and natural for both men and women. One of the best things about masturbation is that it is safe; there is no concern about sexually transmitted diseases. Masturbation is an ideal way for individuals to learn and explore their sexuality before they enter into sexual relationships. Masturbating can teach a person how they like to be touched, improving their confidence and increasing their chances of experiencing sexual pleasure with a partner.’
In fact, the State Government of Victoria’s Better Health Channel list several health benefits that come from masturbation, including:
- Increased sense of wellbeing.
- Enhanced physical and emotional bonding with your partner.
- Increased ability to have orgasms.
- Improved relationship satisfaction
- Better sleep.
- Improved body image.
- Sexual dysfunction treatment.
- Stress reduction.
- Sexual tension relief.
- Menstrual cramp relief.
- Reduced risk for incontinence.
- Prostate health.
- Male immunity.
- Resistance to yeast infections.
- Chronic back pain relief.
These benefits apply to both solo and mutual masturbation – just so you know – but what about the downside of self-pleasure? Is masturbating ever bad for you? ‘Historically, masturbation was seen as a sign of mental illness, and children were taught they would go blind, experience sexual dysfunction and become sexual deviants if they indulged in such an activity,’ Gillette details. ‘In some religions, people are taught that masturbation is a sin, and this can often lead to feelings of guilt or shame. Belief systems aside, there is no physical or mental reason why a person should not masturbate. Masturbation causes no physical harm to the body…aside from skin irritation if proper lubrication is overlooked.’
Here are a few masturbation myths that are absolutely not true:
1. Masturbation causes hair to grown on the palms of your hands.
2. Masturbation causes you to become gay.
3. Masturbation causes addiction.
4. Masturbation causes infertility.
5. Masturbation causes mental illness.
6. Masturbation causes stunted growth.
7. Masturbation causes sexual organs to turn color or change shape.
Gillette points out, ‘The only real dangers associated with masturbation are linked to mental health–but not in the way traditional thinking would have you believe. Most people who experience mental issues related to masturbation are feeling shame or guilt because of their behaviour.’ In fact, Planned Parenthood estimates that roughly half of all men and women experience feelings of guilt after masturbation, which, in turn, has a negative impact on your overall wellness.
Gillette admits, ‘For some people, masturbation can be the manifested symptom of a serious condition, such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), where the same activity must be repeated over and over again. This does not mean these individuals are addicted to sex; it is no different than if the OCD symptom was something non-sexual, like repeatedly brushing your teeth.’ She adds, ‘The average person masturbates anywhere from several times a day to never at all–the range for “normal” is very broad. Keeping that in mind, if masturbation interrupts normal daily activity, replaces sexual intercourse as a choice, or causes reclusive habits, counselling should be sought from a professional.’
An apple a day keeps the doctor away, but can the same be said for a glass of wine or a beer? Perhaps a legend exists in your family that relatives have told you about your great-grandfather having a glass of beer with dinner every night and living to be 98 years old. Is there any truth in that? Can consuming alcohol in moderation really be beneficial to your health? Read on to find out.
Drinking in Moderation
According to research, drinking in moderation can be defined as consuming one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. Moderate drinking does not mean abstaining all week then getting drunk on the weekends. Drinking in excess not only puts your health at risk, but potentially your life as well.
When you overdo it with alcohol, you increase your chances of driving under the influence (DUI). As Jack Diamond, a DUI lawyer in Massachusetts addresses on his website, being arrested for a DUI can lead to a multitude of problems in your life, including your health, legal and financial situations. It goes without saying that if you are not of legal drinking age, you should not consume any alcohol until you are.
Good for Your Heart
Studies have shown that a moderate amount of alcohol actually raises the levels of “good cholesterol,” or HDLs in your bloodstream. Higher levels of HDLs are beneficial in preventing several types of heart disease that result from cardiovascular disease. So, a drink a day may reduce your risk of suffering a heart attack or even a stroke.
Live Longer
Apparently, there is some truth to why your great-grandpa lived so long when he had a glass of beer every night with dinner. Consuming alcohol with meals may reduce your risk of dying by up to 18 percent. Just take a look at people who follow the Mediterranean diet for proof of this one. Wine is a staple at Greek, Italian and Spanish lunch and dinner tables, and these cultures tend to suffer from lower instances of diseases and health issues in general, thus, living longer than the rest of us.
Prevent Symptoms of the Common Cold
Who knew that a cold could be prevented with a glass of red wine? Researchers discovered that non-smoking individuals who consumed eight to 14 glasses of red wine each week were 60 percent less likely to develop a cold! Sixty percent! That is rather significant when so many Americans miss work each year because of the annoying symptoms of an incurable cold. It seems that the antioxidant properties of red wine are an excellent dose of preventative medicine (and wine tastes better than medicine, too).
If you are worried that your usual glass of wine or beer with dinner, or your afternoon martini might cause health issues later in life, worry no more. Instead, enjoy the fact that you are able to reap the benefits of drinking alcohol in moderation. As long as you maintain that moderate intake, you could very well become the next legend in your family.
Writer Melanie Fleury has watched family members get DUI’s, but she also has seen many friends and family members who know not to drive after enjoying a glass of wine with dinner. Jack Diamond, of Jack Diamond Law, knows that a DUI can seem like the end of the world, but assures clients that it is not.
Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/klauspost/92783024/
Ongoing research into the benefits of massage therapy are adding to the body of evidence showing how it can help with numerous diseases and disorders. As a result, a once reluctant medical community is now embracing therapeutic massage. Many hospitals now feature on-site massage therapists and spas for the treatment of pain patients and post-surgery patients because of the undeniable effects of massage in speeding the recovery process.
Relieves Stress
Stress is felt occasionally by everyone and is not always a bad thing. Whenever an energetic action is needed, your body generates energy that can be used productively by you. Adrenaline raises your heart rate, and cortisol boosts your blood sugar, which is what our ancestors needed for a fight or flight response. However, when stress lingers, it can be a problem. Massage therapy is great for lowering your heart rate, blood pressure, and secreting certain neurotransmitters like endorphins that encourage feelings of calm and relaxation.
Improves Circulation
Another benefit of massage therapy is improved blood circulation. Poor blood circulation can lead to pain because of fluid pooling in the extremities. It can also cause a buildup of lactic acid in muscles. Massage therapy can improve blood circulation, leading to much improved blood circulation.
Improves Posture
Poor posture is a common cause of neck and back pain. For example, when you are hunched forward, some muscles are forced to work harder than others. This leads to muscle tension and pain. Massage therapy can relax and loosen muscles made sore by poor posture, encouraging your body to resume a normal posture.
Relieves Headaches
Studies show that most people who have chronic headaches have migraines. These incredibly painful and debilitating headaches are disruptive to the lives of millions. Massage works in two ways to relieve headaches. It prevents stress and tension headaches. It also eases pressure caused by migraines. Pain in the head, neck, and shoulders is relieved through massage.
Speeds Injury Recovery
One of the greatest benefits of massage therapy is its positive effect on injury rehabilitation. According to health professionals of physiotherapy and rehabilitation centres of Ontario who help injured patients with physiotherapy in Courtice, massage helps push more nutrients and oxygen into bodily tissues, promoting faster healing. It allows injured areas to be more flexible and improves blood flow.
If you have been skeptical about the power of massage therapy, put your doubts aside and try the treatment for yourself. If you are suffering from pain, consult a massage therapist in your area to discover the many benefits of massage therapy and how you can utilize this treatment to have a better quality of life. The only thing you have to lose is your pain.
We all know that an active, outdoorsy lifestyle is beneficial to your health from an exercise standpoint, but scientific research is increasingly suggesting that simply spending time in nature has health benefits as diverse as protecting against heart diseases, depression and even cancer.
Outdoor holiday specialist Salop has investigated the top theories surrounding the health benefits of nature and why we should be getting out of the office and into the country more often.
Sunlight
The benefits of sunlight have already been reported in areas like mental health, particularly for treating depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), but sunlight can do so much more for the human body.
Earlier this year, scientists at the University of Colorado found that, on average, people on camping trips are exposed to around 400% more sunlight than during their working week.
Whilst this may seem like a trivial figure, sunlight has a plethora of benefits for the human body. Firstly, sunlight causes the body to create vitamin D, which medical science suggests is the best of the vitamin alphabet.
Whilst other vitamins are necessary for a healthy body, epidemiologic research shows that vitamin D may have properties that will contribute to protecting against stroke and heart disease.
Furthermore, exposure to natural rather than manmade light, greatly affects the quality of sleep we get. The aforementioned University of Colorado researchers measured a group of volunteers’ melatonin (the hormone that creates sleepiness) levels during their normal lives and during a camping trip.
During their lives in the city, melatonin levels in the bloodstream were high several hours after waking. However, after a few days camping and with limited access to manmade light the subjects’ melatonin levels became higher at night and lower in the morning. Melatonin levels were essentially synchronising with the rising and setting sun. To cap it off, the subjects reported feeling better rested than they had before the trip.
How Walks in the Country Could Prevent Cancer
Exciting research from the Nippon Medical School into the traditional Shinto practice of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, has suggested that spending time in nature increases the number of natural killer cells (NK) in the human body.
NK are the elite guard of the immune; these lymphocytes fight off the worst infections and diseases and have even been shown to battle effectively against cancer.
Researchers led a 12-strong group of volunteers (all male and of a similar age) on a three-day shinrin-yoku in the Japanese forestry. Their NK levels were measured each day of the trip and the results were quite remarkable.
Each subject’s NK levels had increased since they went on the trip and were highest towards the end of the trip. This study was repeated several times with different groups of men in different areas of Japan and the results were the same. What’s more, the subjects’ NK levels remained consistently high for around a month after the trip had ended.
A dozen Japanese men had their NK levels taken during their normal workaday lives. They then had the same tests done twice during a three-day shinrin-yoku. The results were nothing short of astounding. Not only were the NK levels much higher than in the pre-forest walking sample but the levels remained consistently high for nearly a month after the trip had ended.
Japanese scientists are now working feverishly to ascertain exactly why this is the case, as the potential benefits to staving off infections are incredible.
Science may not have all the answers yet, but mother-nature has a fair few health and wellness secrets up her sleeves.
While it was once seen as the domain of new-age practitioners and, let’s face it, hippies, yoga has now become synonymous with wellness even in the mainstream sphere. The range of benefits to your wellbeing range from the psychological to the biochemical, and everyone is talking about it. However, while we’ve now grasped the heath and fitness benefits of yoga, we’re still a little slow in applying them to our children – more fool us. According to Kristin Henningsen, MS, RYT, an adjunct professor with Kaplan University’s School of Health Sciences, ‘Numerous studies have touted the benefits of regular yoga practice for toddlers, children, teenagers, and even college students. In fact, in every stage of life yoga has been noted to increase the heath and wellness of individuals.’
1. Children: Stress is often seen as something that grownups have to deal with, but kids can also suffer from stress. Long school days, friendship dramas and busy parents can all pile on the pressure in your child’s life and Henningsen asserts, ‘This can lead to emotional outbursts, periods of withdrawal, and negative attention-seeking behaviour. Incorporating yoga in to a child’s life can help [your child] build self-esteem, body awareness, improve concentration, and encourage a sense of calmness. Not to mention the physical benefits of improved balance, strength, and flexibility.’
2. Tweens: The stage between childhood and adolescence is an especially poignant time to practice yoga. Yoga instructor Paula Walker points out, ‘Self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-respect are the three most important things for preteen girls to develop as their bodies are changing. Yoga teaches them to become very in touch with their bodies from the inside out.’ The awareness that yoga teaches can seep into every aspect of a tween’s life, leading to more meaningful relationships, mindful nutrition, and a strong template for physical fitness. Henningsen adds, ‘You can instil confidence and independence in your tween by giving him or her the freedom to attend class by themselves or with a friend.’
3. Teenagers: Once your kids are in the full throes of puberty, they are in a time of life that is often associated with disconnect, transitions and anxiety – but yoga can serve as a shelter from the storm. Colleen Morton Busch, senior editor at Yoga Journal, comments, ‘Adolescence, it seems, has become a kind of preterm adulthood, a time when kids face adult issues and concerns but with the emotional intelligence and coping skills of children—and with little societal support for making the transition.’ Nanette E. Tummers states that yoga ‘allows for self-study and self-care as well as development of vital intrapersonal and interpersonal skills, such as improved communications skills, which are critically needed at this developmental stage.’ While teens tend to gravitate towards the classes with the more challenging poses and vigorous asanas, often the most rewarding thing for teenagers is the final resting post or savasana.
4. Young Adults: Between leaving school and setting off into the big, wide world of adulthood, young adults have a heady experience of power and independence, learning to deal with adult relationships and juggle many new responsibilities. In 2007, researchers at the University of Southern Mississippi showed that yoga can increase physical and mental relaxation, decrease emotional reactivity, and improve concentration and academic performance in this age group. Henningsen adds, ‘The study also showed the improved self-awareness, more energy, and a new positive outlook on life. These skills will help carry the young adult into the more challenging roles of later life.’ For this age group, which often requires fitness on a budget, there are many books, podcasts, and videos which offer individuals a chance to deepen their practice of yoga without having to spend large amounts on weekly classes.
Fitness and wellness writer Peta Bee details, ‘It’s a breezy afternoon in a local park and my attempts at fitness are heading in the wrong direction. Bemused onlookers can’t help but take a second glance as backwards running expert, Karl Twomey, and I trot past them in reverse. We pick up speed as I become more adept in the technical aspects of a most unexpected workout trend.’ Yes, that’s right, backwards running. According to enthusiasts, the advantages this new trend has to your wellbeing are endless, providing you with the benefits of regular running but burning 20% more calories that running forwards. Plus, that’s so mainstream.
You may have had one of those moments where, when walking uphill, you turn around and go backwards for a few steps to ease the pressure on your knees. Much in the same way, this is how Twomey took up reverse running. Back in 2010, Twomey started running backwards as part of his marathon training because it was less harmful to his joint wellness. However, this wasn’t just a clever training technique – Twomey actually ran the whole marathon backwards in four hours and 16 minutes, with no injuries whatsoever. Twomey explains, ‘Your balance improves and so does your peripheral vision and even your hearing as you become more attuned to what’s happening around you. It also gives you incredibly well-toned calf and thigh muscles, but it doesn’t strain the Achilles tendon like regular running.’
However, Bee notes, ‘Despite its current fashionable status, reverse running is not new. It first emerged in the 70s, when a small group of sports doctors began recommending it to injured athletes and footballers. Since then, it has become an essential part of training in sports as diverse as boxing and hockey. Physiotherapists approve because running backwards entails less movement of the hips, reducing impact on the joints. It is often recommended for rehabilitation from knee and back problems.’ In fact, in a weird way, backwards running is like a fast-forward route to better wellness. Researchers at the University of Oregon have found that running in reverse means you only need to move at 80% of the speed of forward runners to gain the same physiological and fitness benefits.
Another study, this time from South Africa’s Stellenbosch University, looked at the effects of reverse running in a group of beginners. The researchers found that running backwards helped to streamline participants’ physiques while also improving their cardiovascular fitness. This research was undertaken on a group female students who were put on a reverse running programme, and compared with a group who stuck to their regular activity schedule. The retro-runners were found to have significant decreases in oxygen consumption, meaning they had become aerobically fitter and had lost an average of 2.5% of body fat.
Still, the advantages of backwards running don’t end there, says reverse running guru James Bamber. ‘Because you land and push off from the forefoot, your toes are strengthened, which aids good posture,’ he comments. According to Bamber, if you were to run one lap of an athletics track backwards, this would provide the fitness equivalent of running four to six laps forwards. In other words, 100 steps in reverse produces the same benefits as 1000 steps straight ahead – the same benefits but 10% of the effort? Surely there are no drawbacks to that! However, the obvious downside to running backwards is you can’t see where you’re going, which requires more mental focus. Twomey admits, ‘You can’t switch off. It’s more mentally exhausting than that meditative zone you can hit running forwards.’ However, he adds, ‘Other runners look at you as if you are mad, and then you spot them a few minutes later having a go at it themselves. It’s addictive.’
Juicing has become the big buzz word in diet and nutrition circles, with many people extolling the virtues of drinking fruit and vegetable juices to boost their wellness and wellbeing. Many celebrities have also jumped on the bandwagon, with stars such as Natalie Portman and Madonna publically declaring their love for juice diets.
Those in favour of juice diets claim that they can contribute to weight loss, radiant skin, increased energy and can even be a cure for cancer.
Nutritionist consultants have also come out in favour of juices, stating that a glass of juice in the morning is vital for maintaining good health. Many models are now also using juice diets on a regular basis, and juice bars and even juice home delivery services are popping up all over the place. There are even new businesses appearing which are producing juices and shipping them all over the country.
Not all juices are created equal, however, and there are some things that you should look out for to make sure that you are getting the best possible health benefits from your daily juice drink.
Looking out for green juice is the best tip we can give you; you probably drink colourful orange and other fruit juices as part of your daily life already, but it’s the vegetable juices that make the biggest impact. Dark leafy green such as kale and spinach are packed with minerals such as iron and calcium and are full of powerful antioxidants, too.
You should also make sure that the juice you are drinking is organic. If you are not sure, ask. Many places do not use organic products in order to save money, but if you really want to enjoy the health benefits then you need to stay away from pesticides, and has also been sprayed with chemicals that kill off some of the health benefits of the plant.
Being stuck in a sexual rut may not be as damaging for your wellness and wellbeing as was previously believed. We live in a society where many people believe that if you are not having sex then your life is somewhat of a failure. If you are not having sex, your friends often look at you in a pitying way, and try to console you with the thought that you will have sex again one day.
Whether you’re having a dry spell through choice or because you are stuck in a rut, recent research shows that it is normal part of a healthy life pattern. The same research also shows that not having sex is not associated with any adverse health risks of any kind.
There are health benefits to having sex, of course, such as the good that it does for your heart, the fact that it makes you live longer and look younger and so on, but there are also some great benefits to not having sex, too.
When you are not having sex, your body becomes stronger. Sexual impulses make the body weak, and some even believe that diseases can take hold far more easily if your body is weak due to giving in to sexual impulses. So, you might not be getting any sex but at least you’ll not be getting the ‘flu either!
Your self-worth will also improve, as you will not be basing your image and self-worth on the opinions of others. You will find that your insecurities lessen and that you learn to love yourself.
Without having regular sex, you are also far more likely to stay slim and trim. This is because you will have far more time for working out at the gym and you will not be getting ‘comfortable’ with a new partner, binge eating on the sofa together.
There are lots of things to think about before embarking on a purely sexual relationship with someone. If not carefully considered, this type of ‘friends with benefits’ situation can lead to great damage to your emotional wellness and wellbeing.
Often the situation arises because a man and a woman are friends and then one of them proposes taking the relationship to another level – a sexual level. By this, they mean that they want to remain friends and have no relationship ties (and be able to see other people) but they want to indulge in casual sex from time to time. This agreement has to take place between two people who like, trust (and, presumably, fancy) one another. Some also think that it actually puts you in a good place to find a relationship as you are not desperate and are having your needs met in the meantime.
There is a lot of debate about whether ‘friends with benefits’ is a healthy thing, and whether it is right or wrong, but it really all boils down to personal values, and whether you feel that it is right for you or not.
It is becoming a far more common occurrence, too, with a recent study from Deakin University showing that both women and men enjoy the arrangement, and that it is popular with both young people and older people who have recently left marriages or long-term relationships.
The ‘benefits’ are not entirely sexual, either, as the study found that people can gain physical and emotional intimacy from it on a level that they are comfortable with, before they are ready to move on to a full-blown relationship.
There are some pitfalls to consider, however, for example you need to consider whether you will tell any new romantic attachment about your ‘friend with benefits’. You also need to consider whether you will be able to stay friends with your sex buddy once you move on and meet someone else. The biggest danger, too, is getting romantically attached to your ‘friend with benefits’ (especially as it is likely that they will not feel the same way).
If you keep your ear to the ground with anti-ageing wellness, you’ve probably heard of dermabrasion. This skin-resurfacing procedure essentially sands away the outer layer of you skin, using a rapidly rotating device. Sounds robust, but after this process your skin grows back is usually smoother and younger looking, although the treatment may make your skin sensitive and bright pink for several weeks. Dermabrasion can also improve the look of scars, such as those caused by your acne, but as the pinkness will likely take about three months to fade, you may just be replacing one embarrassing skin complaint with another, albeit temporarily.
Still, there’s a wealth of benefits to dermabrasion, as the process can eliminate your fine wrinkles (especially those around the mouth) as well as reducing the sun damage of your skin, such as your age spots. If you want to get rid of a tattoo or potentially precancerous skin patches (actinic keratoses), dermabrasion can be used for this too, and the process can also help to even out your skin tone, and diminish any swelling and redness in your nose that’s been caused by rhinophyma. However, before you sign up for your appointment, dermabrasion can cause various side effects which you need to consider:
1. Redness and swelling: Any part of your skin that has been treated will be red and swollen, which usually begins to decrease within a week. However, this might last for weeks or even months.
2. Bleeding: It’s perfectly normal for skin to bleed a little after dermabrasion, but if you maintain proper skin care, the bleeding should stop on its own.
3. Acne: Although it’s not like the acne scars you’ve just got rid of, you might notice tiny white bumps or milia on your treated skin. The good news is that you can get rid of the milia with soap or an abrasive pad, that is, if they don’t go away on their own.
4. Bigger pores: Unfortunately, the process may enlarge your pores, but this side effect typically doesn’t affect your wellbeing for long, as it mostly goes away after any swelling decreases.
5. Changes in your skin colour: In the treated area, your skin can commonly become blotchy, darker than normal (which is known as hyperpigmentation) or lighter than normal (hypopigmentation). You’re more likely to suffer with this problem if you have darker skin, and, be warned, this can sometimes be permanent.
6. Infection: This is a rare wellness threat but it does happen, as dermabrasion can lead to a bacterial, fungal or viral infection. This may include a herpes flare-up, as this virus causes cold sores.
7. Scarring: Again, this one is rare as it only occurs if the dermabrasion has been done too deeply. You can often use steroid medications to soften the appearance of these scars.
8. Other skin reactions: If you love your freckles, you may want to steer clear of dermabrasion as these little beauty spots may disappear from the treated areas. Moreover, your skin may flare up if you often develop allergic skin rashes or other skin reactions, so the treatment may not be for you if you have sensitive skin.
If you’re still up for this exfoliating treatment in spite of these warnings, bear in mind that dermabrasion isn’t for everyone, and you need to consult your GP before making your final decision. This is vital, as your doctor might caution against dermabrasion if you have burn scars, skin that’s been damaged by radiation treatments, a history of ridged areas caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue (keloids) in your family, recurrences of herpes simplex infection or acne or have taken any acne medication containing isotretinoin in the past year.
Tea has been known since ancient times to possess health benefits. Tea is being extensively consumed especially in China. In all its forms- black, green and red, tea provides the body essential anti oxidants and has anti ageing components as well. So it improves your overall health both from the inside and the outside.
Improves Digestion
Herbal or black tea has amazing components and the powerful anti oxidants with which it is loaded, and they play a vital role in improving the digestion of our body. Regular consumption of 2-3 cups of tea especially an hour before your meals will prevent bloating and water retention in the body. Also, your food is digested fast and you do not feel the usual sloppiness which is very frequent after lunch or dinner.
Increases Metabolism
Black Tea or Green Tea with a dash of lemon juice in it is often recommended for weight watchers or overweight people, usually right in the morning. Tea is loaded with powerful nutrients that kick metabolism right in the morning with the very first cup. Fitness experts and Yoga trainers often advise people to consume a cup of green or black tea before working out, as it makes you sweat a lot, thereby reducing weight.
Strengthens Immunity
Regular consumption of green or black tea makes your immune system very strong and usually prevents petty diseases and allergies. Anti oxidants make your immune system strong enough to fight any foreign bacteria or virus, and hence keeps you healthy for a longer period of time.
Effective In Treating Under Eye Skin
Cooled tea bags are very effective in treating dark circles under your eyes. It can be quite irritating to always hide your skin under a concealer. And possibilities are that you have not come across any permanent treatment for dark circles. Having puffy eyes right in the morning feels really annoying. Try keeping cooled tea bags on closed eyes and let it stay for 20 minutes. Rinse with fresh water and moisturize your skin. You will see the difference in two days.
Gives Luscious Hair
Tea water is used as an effective conditioner that is rich in natural conditioning elements for your hair. Dull, limp and lifeless hair can be treated very effectively with water immersed in black tea bags. Shampoo your hair and give the last rinse with tea water. You will notice the luscious, silky texture of your hair and the sparkle in your hair and will be there for everyone to notice.
Antidote For Insect Bite
Very few people are aware that tea bags are very effective in treating bug bites and insect bites too. Rub tea bags wherever the insect has stung and in a few minutes the pain and irritation of the sting will break down and reduce.
Detoxifies
Drinking herbal tea and black tea, 2-3 cups a day helps in flushing out toxins and impurities from your body. This in turn makes your skin glow and gives you a light and healthy feeling. Flushing out toxins also boosts your moods, curbs depression and stress and makes you feel happy. You mind becomes more alert and focused.
Author Bio:
Alex George is a blogger for Removeskintags and in his free time he likes to research on various techniques to enhance skin care & beauty.
There is no end to the wellness benefits of kettlebell training, especially if you want to improve your fitness in an effective and affordable way. A kettlebell is an all-around tool that can actually do the job of almost any fancy piece of exercise equipment, and the dynamic nature of the kettlebell will give your wellbeing everything it needs – providing an all-in-one workout of a lifetime that combines both strength and cardio aspects.
For those of you who’ve never seen it, the kettle bell has a unique shape. The bulk of the weight is massed into a dense ball, and it also has a handle for easy lifting. Thus, the kettlebell is somewhat different from a dumbbell, allowing your body to perform a multitude of ballistic and grind exercises in a natural, fluid motion. True, you can use a dumbbell in place of a kettlebell for a number of typical kettlebell exercises, but doing a snatch or a swing becomes noticeably more cumbersome when you do this. Since it doesn’t have a handle, the dumbbell doesn’t become an extension of your arm like the kettlebell does. With a kettlebell, you can use a loose grip so that you provide more momentum and give the kettlebell a wider swing. With dumbbells, on the other hand, you force your arms into more use than necessary because the bulk of the weight is on the sides and not massed into a ball.
Moreover, the handle of the kettlebell means that you can easily pass it back and forth between your hands, which enables you to keep your exercise set going for longer periods. This provides you with an even more intense cardio session. The ball has an offset weight, which means more muscles are forced to stabilise. This allows your body to take each exercise through a longer range of motion, which will improve your flexibility as well as the strength of your deeper stabilizing muscles. Still, the benefits of a kettlebell workout don’t end there. With a kettlebell in your hand, you routine can provide you with:
• Increased endurance
• Rapid fat loss
• Muscular strength without the added bulk
• Increased core stability
• Saving the money you would have spent on a gym membership
• A stronger back
• Rehabilitated shoulders
• Flexibility
• Mental toughness
• Decreased musculoskeletal pain
• Twice the results in half the time you would spend at the gym
• It’s a full-body and very balanced workout
• A fun way to workout, which increases motivation
• A very strong and firm rear
• A transportable device that can be used almost everywhere.
• A social activity that can be shared in a group setting
• A way to target every single muscle group in your entire body
The benefits of the kettlebell workout have long been studied, and so you can be safe in the knowledge that – providing you’re using it right – you are doing an effective routine for your wellness. Researchers from American Council on Exercise undertook one such study, which showed the effectiveness of kettlebell training for burning calories. According to the researchers, participants who did kettlebell snatches for intervals of 15 seconds of work and 15 seconds of rest burned the equivalent amount of calories as they would if running at a six-minute-mile pace. I wouldn’t be able to run that fast, would you? For the study, the subjects were required to perform about six snatches every 15 seconds of work for 20 minutes, which led to an average calorie burn of 20.2 calories per minute! And that’s without adding on the after-burn effect that intense interval training has on your metabolism.
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